MINDFUL MOMENTS

                                      Midnight ends the year of 2020.  Although I worked all day, I was able to finish my day with a walk in the darkness to a candlelit church where I prayed for family, friends, and strangers. Walking home in the bitter cold I rejoiced at the warmth of my humble studio condo and took a midnight cake out of the oven to enjoy with a pot of tea.  How did you spend your New Years Eve 2020? A healthy, happy, and prosperous new year of 2021 to everyone. May you be blessed by the LORD and feel the presence of angels protecting you through your life journey. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A CHRISMTAS CAROL (God Bless Us Everyone) ENGLAND has many exceptional writers; one being Charles Dickens who wrote the Christmas classic, "A Christmas Carol." First published in England on December 19, 1843, (177 years ago) "A Christmas Carol" remains the most popular of Christmas stories. Every decade a new film version of "A Christmas Carol" is released and each year there are hundreds upon hundreds of stage performances of "A Christmas Carol" presented in various countries around the world.  There's so much to learn when reading or watching "A Christmas Carol," One can observe how much brighter life is when a person offers kindness towards others and helps those in need. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserable rich man who has no respect for Christmas and its meaning but the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future teach Mr. Scrooge some valuable lessons. The ending of course is wonderful because Ebenezer Scroog...

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, even in a global pandemic, that's why it's important to just be still and cherish the simple things in life.  Today on Christmas Day, I'm grateful that I was able to walk to a nearby church and attend a short service, I'm grateful that I could afford food so that I could make homemade dishes to share with those dear to me, I'm grateful that I spent time in my humble dwelling place staying warm near the fireplace while the weather outdoors was frigid. I'm grateful that I was able to visit my Mother who has advanced Alzheimers, and communicate with her in a heartwarming manner. Today, the 25th of December we honor the birth of Jesus who was born long ago in Bethlehem The angel who appeared to the shepherd the night of Jesus birth around c. 5 BC, said "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messi...

Every year in December, a church in my community called "New Hope" puts on an outdoor play, "Christmas Journey."Hundreds of people attend the weekend performances where actors are dressed in period costumes and live animals like camel, donkeys, goats, and sheep appear in the scenes. Although the coronovirus has kept me social distanced from activities I did feel led to appear in at least one performance of the CHRISTMAS JOURNEY this year. I arrived at the church at 4:30 pm to get my costume and meet some of the cast members. The pastor prayed with us and we all headed outdoors to our sets. My scene took place in  Bethlehem and I portrayed one of the peasants.         For two and a half hours I acted out my part next to the darling goats, observing the visitors on the trail who were touched by the meaning of Christmas experienced through this journey. In between scenes trail angels came with hot cocoa, sandwiches, bottled water, and cookies to keep us energetic. ...

THANKSGIVING, NOVEMBER 26, 2020 THANKSGIVING was over two weeks ago. Preparing for it and celebrating with my loved ones kept me so busy that I never got to my blog, BUT it's never too late. In fact, reflecting on that day is as vivid as  just made stuffing. I was so happy to have Wednesday off so that I could cook some dishes ahead like butternut squash soup, broccoli casserole, sweet potatoes, and pecan pie. My poor Mother who has Alzheimer's can no longer cook which is sad because she was once one of the best cooks on the planet. My mother's caregiver Cecelia invited me to spend the night, so together we cooked up a few others dishes to serve for our festive meal. On Thanksgiving Day, I spent the day at my mother's condo with Cecelia, my brother, and our pets Mila, the dog, and Sari the cat. It was all so simple and sweet. The greatest gift of course was having my Mother to share the holiday with. All of us enjoyed the bountiful delicious meal. My brother contributed...

October 2, 2020                                       HAPPY BIRTHDAY: ROMAN GEORGE LYPECKYJ                                                   A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beloved father who was born on the 2nd of October. Even though it's been many years since my father has passed away, I never forget his birthday. It always holds a dear place in my heart. This morning I spent my moments in church saying a prayer for him and lighting a candle in his honor. I was truly blessed to have an awesome father who was a class act. He was a highly intelligent man who spoke several languages and worked an an economist for Ford Motor Company. My father accomplished a lot in his life and one of his greatest gifts was his devotion to my mother, brother, and myself.  TATO means father ...

Where did the summer go? I can't believe we're approaching the end of August. All summer long I dreamed of traveling someplace outside of where I live and by the end of July I was desperate for a change because I was getting frustrated with everything. Life works in mysterious ways, because in late July a friend of mine who lives on the East Coast invited me to take a trip with him. He too needed a change of scenery and offered me the opportunity to travel with him. Of course I couldn't turn down the offer even though I was a bit nervous about traveling several hours on the Amtrak train because of the coronavirus.  I journeyed from Traverse City, Michigan to Toledo, Ohio, and took an overnight Amtrak train to Albany/Rensselaer to meet my friend who drove from Queens, New York. The train ride was pleasant and the train arrived right on time to Albany. I waited in the sweltering heat for my friend outside the station and about 20 minutes later he appeared. We greeted each oth...

I am so stupid and I will punish myself for my stupidity. I just paid a hefty amount to a resort that makes tons of money. I was at fault, for a leaky toilet that caused damage to their ceiling. Even though I called a plumber to have the toilet fixed, water was still dripping and the resort told me that I must pay for the damage to their condo. The BIG shots always conquer. It's their world. More money down the drain. Oh well, the LOVE of money is the root of all evil so let the privileged people enjoy their possessions and wealth. I will continue to be a "very unimportant person" and I will punish myself for my stupidity of not fixing the toilet quick enough. It's my fault and I will punish myself for a very long time for my stupidity.  MOMENTS OF PUNISHMENT ARE WELL DESERVED!

Here in Michigan where I currently live there's a husband & wife team that own a chocolate company called Hanover's. They make delicious mint filled milk and dark chocolates imprinted with the state of Michigan map on them. I've known about these wonderful chocolates since I was in college but it wasn't until the past year that I started buying these chocolates when I started seeing how popular they're in northern Michigan. The other day I was in a shop in Northport and they had a huge glass bowl of Hanover's chocolates which are now available in cherry   flavors in addition to the mint flavors. Of course I bought a handful of them and ate the of them by the next afternoon. I love lucky days, like yesterday. I wanted more of those Michigan Mint Chocolates. Turns out that I had the privilege of spending part of the day with my Mother and on my way to visit her, I stopped at a shop in downtown Traverse City to get a treat and when  I walked over to th...

Yesterday, I got unpleasant news from my brother that our cousin was found dead by his sister at his home. I was shocked beyond belief to hear this devastating news. Although my cousin and I didn't keep in touch these past few years I was always fond of hime. He was down to earth, intelligent, wise, and had the best sense of humor of anyone I ever knew. RIP Life is fragile, we don't know when our last breath will take place. I will always remember my cousin as a person who could brighten any room he walked into. He had the gift of putting a smile on people's facing, including my brother who rarely smiles. In fact my cousin and I joked often about how he really was the only person that could make my brother show his teeth and make him laugh. Enjoy every moment of life. We're only here on this earth for a certain time and than we must die. Death is something we must all face someday, so appreciate the gifts of life. BLESSINGS OF PRECIOUS MOMENTS TO ALL!

With the exception of the terrorist attacks in 2001, I can't recall a more darker side of life than in 2020. I can't even read the news anymore because my stress level rises to the top. This year is much different than any I've witnessed and it's only half over. WHAT'S GOING ON? 1)  COVID 19, millions of cases around the globe 2)  SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES 2)  HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATES 3)  RIOTS 4)  HOT WEATHER, HIGH TEMPERATURES 5)  COIN SHORTAGES 6)  DEATH OF MANY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE 7)  HAVING TO WEAR MASKS 8)  RISING SUICIDE RATES 9)  MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES 10) LONELINESS Regardless of what's happening there are still plenty of people who are living charmed lives. I can see it right in my community BUT for every person whose living a life of good times, another is dealing with bad times. I don't understand how an essential worker must continue to work hard for the same wage before the coronavirus outbreak...

Yesterday, I took an amazing day trip to gorgeous NORTHPORT.This village on Lake Michigan is a gem in the summer when everything is green and lush. Time stands still here and yet there's plenty to do; bicycling, boating, cultural activities, hiking, picnicking, shopping, swimming, and tennis. There's a state park with camping sites and a lighthouse a few miles away and some farms too. Although it was HOT yesterday I enjoyed every moment I had in this idyllic village with its lakes, ponds, streams, and waterfalls. Oh, how I longed to lay in a hammock under a tree, or sit on somebody's wraparound porch and drink some ice tea, but that wasn't possible. However as luck would have it I did get to visit my favorite market for fruits, vegetables, and the best cookies around. The place is called"Bells of Christmas" and no matter what time of year you visit there's a feeling of "being home" here. I bought a bag of the homemade oatmeal raisin cook...

How are you fairing during these strange times? Some countries like Canada, Jordan, and Norway seem to be doing quite well compared to the United States during the coronavirus pandemic. There are some American's that are hardly affected by the current crisis, they have their elaborate homes, plenty of food, and their high income is still going strong. Maybe they can't have a large party gathering at their home, or take an annual vacation to countries like Bermuda, Italy, Greece, Peru, South Africa, or Tahiti (to name a few). This of course is disappointing to them but not as disappointing as those that really are suffering. There are the poor souls that are homeless, starving, or dying from COVID-19. GRATUTDE is what to strive for during these uncertain times because no matter how tough times are there's something to be thankful for. I have a few examples below. I'm thankful for the air I breathe. I'm thankful for my senses. I'm thankful for the sun. I...

PIANO MOMENTS IF there's one thing I can mention that I missed during the coronavirus lockdown, it's the PIANO. Even before the coronavirus I hadn't played for a couple of months but now when there was time at last to practice, no piano to be found anywhere. So I was delighted when almost six months later I finally had access to a piano. I was at a Bible study and adjacent to the room where we had our study was a piano all covered up. After our study I asked if I could play and the answer was "YES." Oh, how good it felt to run my fingers across the keyboard and play all my favorite music on the piano. I even had a small audience. Now, whenever I'm yearning to practice the piano, my friends at the church tell me I can practice anytime and that's exactly what I do. Now that's an answer to a prayer! Is there something you yearn to do when you have plenty of moments in your life?

Upon returning from beautiful Empire which is part of the "Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore," I was hungry. A peanut butter and jam sandwich and a small brownie were filing at the beginning of the day but not at 4:45 pm when the sun was burning on my skin and there was still another 9 miles of bicycling ahead of me. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on eating so I settled for a $5.00 small cheese pizza. that was hot and ready. When I opened the box I knew I couldn't eat all that pizza. There was enough pizza there for three people to enjoy. I found a place to sit outdoors and ate a few slices of pizza. What was I to do with the leftovers? I had no place to put the slices of pizza and the pizza box was too big to carry on a bicycle. I had an idea. I could feed the seagulls that were flying up above me.  I grabbed a pizza slice and lifted it over my head to show the seagulls that I had food for them. I cut the pizza slices into small pieces and placed them on...

JUNE BIRTHDAY I woke up this morning, realizing it was my Birthday. It's always hard to be a year older,  unless you're turning 21. The one thing I'll be doing today is showing gratitude for what I do have; I'm grateful for the air I breathe, for my senses, for shelter, food, and water, for nature,  friends, and my Mother. It doesn't take long to grow a list of things to be thankful for.  Cake, that's another thing to be thankful for. A piece of delicious cake on a warm Spring day.  Birthday's come but once a year so I think I'll celebrate my day today and savor all the moments of another day of life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THOSE OF YOU BORN IN JUNE!

With all the negative things happening in the world right now every human being is probably pessimistic. Life does brings us lemons but it's also good to stay hopeful and positive through bad times so that the light at the end of the tunnel will finally appear. I myself feel much better when I'm in nature. This morning I was up early and sitting near the water reading "The Game of Life and How to Play It" and "Keep Calm and Trust God." In those few minutes of serenity, I came across birds, ducks, and seagulls. Their love of nature and appreciating what they have really brightened my soul. These creatures seem to be content despite obstacles. I happened to bring along a small basket of food for a morning picnic. As I enjoyed my sandwich, I took some extra bread I had brought along to share with my friends (birds, and ducks) They were grateful and I was grateful, and I realized how something as simple as a small picnic can make all the difference in th...

                                They may be cute, but beware of Canadian Geese! It makes sense that Canadian Geese flock to a place I live called"The Shores" condo complex located on Lake Michigan Bay. They have a large bay, with connecting creek's and it's the perfect spot to bring baby goslings into the world. Water, water, everywhere and those geese love it. There's only one challenge. Geese aren't fond of human beings so everyday I have to alter and adapt to staying out of their way or else I'll get a big scream from them and even a few bites. I'm so scared of Canadian geese these days that I do everything in my power to be at least 200 yards away from them. The other day I was heading to my favorite spot to sit and do some reading. Guess who was there? The Canadian geese....so I had to find another area to sit and read. No problem, but minutes later they decided to navigate towards where I was...

A worldwide lockdown. Some have it worse than others. In some part of the planet people are stranded and without any food or water, it's so sad. As depressed as I am during this whole pandemic it's refreshing to turn to a few pleasures like having some tea with a scone. Just made myself some tea and sat outdoors to sip on tea and eat a homemade vegan blueberry scone. It's simple pleasures like this that make the day brighter. Stay strong, stay positive, BE WELL! Take time for simple pleasure!

The city of Minneapolis may be cold and off the beaten path but that didn't stop me from boarding a bus a few weeks ago and heading there via Chicago. Trust me, when you're so burnt out that you can't think straight and a fortune cookie gives you the message "You need a change of scenery, take a break," that's a sign to take the leap.                           As soon as I boarded the bus, the adventure began. I immediately met some interesting people to talk to and they shared all kinds of stories with me on the bus trip. One man I met was flying out of Chicago to spend several            months living in someone's backyard in Hawaii. He was grateful to me for recommending a hostel near the bus stop in Chicago and both of us shared an UBER to the hostel. At the hostel I met an inspirational woman who despite being homeless several times was full of strength and wisdom. I hope she wins ...

Can you recall a day when you were feeling down and somebody brightened your day with a kind gesture? You might have felt as if everything was going wrong and that one special person you encountered changed your gloomy moments into bright moments. It's a lovely feeling to be thought of when you're feeling unimportant. It can be the smallest of things but that smallest of things can do wonders. A big thank you to Angie who fills in as a manager on Mondays, when our manager Andra is off. I woke up Monday to one of those days where one thing after another seemed to be going wrong. I was getting criticism from family and friends, and nobody seemed to be on my side. Then....I arrived to work and there was sweet Angie with a container of just made chocolate muffins. "Help yourself to a chocolate muffin," she said as I was settling in to do my tasks. I took a bite of the decadent chocolate muffin and couldn't wait to eat more. "Would you like a cup o...

This morning I woke up with lots of anxiety. I felt so hopeless and lost, as if I was the only person in the world with no talents or skills. I didn't even want to go to work, but somehow I managed to motivate myself to just go because 99 percent success is just showing up. When I took my break this afternoon at work I sat at the piano and quietly played some classical and contemporary music.One of my co-workers heard me as she walked by and yelled out "I'm impressed, keep playing and don't shy away." She came over to the electronic piano and put the volume up so that I could be heard. I was a bit embarrassed but to my surprise others gathered near the piano and listened to me and encouraged me to keep playing. Sometimes when we're in the dumps and feel worthless all it takes is one person to make a difference. I'm forever grateful to "BIZ" my co-worker who also plays the piano for giving me some recognition this afternoon in front of other...

Every morning if we're lucky we wake up to another day. Some days might be wonderful, others not so much, and some might be down right miserable. Life with it's rollercoaster ride gives us seconds, minutes, hours, days, week, months, to try to do the best and be the best we can despite the obstacles and challenges. Some of us have more opportunities than others, more successes than others, better health than others BUT there's usually something to be grateful for. Whatever your dreams or desires, whatever your goals, whatever you yearn for or which to accomplish, may 2020 bring you the best things that life has to offer! HAPPY 2020! This year try to keep a journal and write a paragraph or two about the day you had or wish to have. Everyday write down something that you are thankful for; seeing the sun rise in the morning, being able to quench your thirst with pure water,  having the gifts of sight, hearing, feeling, touching, tasting.....and remember there...